At a glance Located in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India, the city faces the Bay of Bengal. Chennai-Madras, one of the four major metropolitan cities of India, is the capital the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu-the exotic state famous for its cutworks in the temples, coconut fringes, and silk saris. About the city Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metro city in India. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort Saint George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the foreign influence. The city is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. It is a major trade center, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted. Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year old city is the gateway to the south, providing many a fascinating vignette of southern heritage. Festivals Pongal (January) Tamil Nadu's harvest festival sees families gather around a new earthen pot. As the pot of milk boils over, signifying prosperity, a shout of Pongalo Pongal rents the air. Navaratri (October/November)The festival of 'nine nights' sees homes cobbling up a shelf to line up clay idols of gods and goddesses, wooden dolls, and bric-a-brac of any kind. Married women and young girls are given gifts. All this to propitiate the Mother Goddess for wealth and knowledge. Diwali (October/November) Unlike in the rest of the country where the festival is celebrated at night, Tamil Nadu wakes up before dawn, has a ritual head bath, wears new clothes and bursts crackers, to celebrate Rama's victory over Ravana. Karthigai Deepam (November) Rows of earthen lamps light up every home, and the joyous burst of firecrackers marks Tamil Nadu's Festival of Lights. Religious Places Kapaleeshwar Temple This ancient Shiva Temple in Mylapore is a classic Dravidian temple complete with gopurams and a tank. The 8th century Pallavan architecture and inscriptions dating back to 13th century found on its walls are noteworthy. The streets and shops around the temple sell everything, from flowers and vegetables to silver and gold. Sri Parthasarathy Temple Devoted to Lord Krishna, this temple found in Triplicane, is another original Pallavan piece of the 8th century. It was renovated by the Vijayanagara rayas in the 16th century. Pazhaniandavar Temple This temple at Vadapalani is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, who is believed to reside in the Pazhani Hills and hence, is worshipped as Pazhani Andavar (Lord of Pazhani). A picture of Lord Subrahmanya was brought here 125 years ago from Palani (a variant of Pazhani) and is considered very auspicious. Thus the place where the temple is located, in the north of the city, acquired the name, Vadapalani. Ashtalakshmi temple Situated in Besant Nagar, this temple is a must-see in Chennai for the beautiful view of the Bay of Bengal that it affords. The larger-than-life vigrahams (idols) of Mahalakshmi and Mahavishnu, the presiding deity here, are a treat for the eye. The temple is of more recent origin than the others mentioned before, being built on the request of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi Mutt. Santhome Cathedral Church Near Kapaleeshwar Temple, this neo-Gothic Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas, the Apostle. St. Thomas Mount St. Thomas is believed to have lived here around AD 58. Perched on a hillock, close to the airport, the Church on the Mount houses the paintings of "The Holy Lady, The Child and "Our Lady of Expectations". The apostle was chased and he had to take refuge in a cave on a hill during his last days. The entrance to that cave is now through a Portuguese church built in 1551. You can reach the top of the mount by road or the steps. For the young and romantic at heart the top of this hill is beautiful place to sit and watch the planes take off and land as the hill overlooks the Chennai airport. St. Mary's ChurchThe first English Church in Chennai, it is also the oldest surviving British Church in Asia. It was built between 1678-80. Walk down the pews and you feel like you are walking down the alleys of history. The names of visiting English dignities are etched into the pillars. You may be surprised to know that Robert Clive was married here. The Visitors Book, dating from 1903-1947, has interesting references too which you may check out. The church is also called the Saint Andrews Church. Tuesdays are special here due to the special services to the patron saint, St Andrew. If you do not want to get caught in the crowds, it's advisable to avoid Tuesday for a visit to this church. The Big mosque in Triplicane, built by the Wallajah family in 1795, is a massive and magnificent structure in grey granite, without any steel or wood used in its construction! Thousand Light's MosqueAn important landmark in Chennai's busy Mount Road., this mosque was built around 1880 on the land donated by the Nawab of Wallajah. It also houses a library, a burial ground and guesthouses and has a separate worship place for women. Legend has it that over one thousand lamps had to be used to light up the Assembly Hall, which stood here, from which, the mosque naturally got its name. Entertainment This is the land where fans build temples for their matinee idols. And fittingly enough, the legendary AVM Studios (Arcot Rd., Vadapalani; Ph.24836700) opens its gates to the public on all days except Sundays and second Saturdays, from 9 am to 6 pm. At any given point of time, there are shootings for a couple of movies/teleserials going on here. Sathyam Cinemas (ph. 28523813), off Anna Salai in Royapettah, Melody, Woods Rd, Royapettah (ph. 28531371) and Mayajaal, ECR (www.mayajaal.com), are few of the best cine-complexes in Chennai. You may visit one if you want to watch movies in Hindi, English or Tamil. You can book your tickets online or order it at your doorstep via phone. The city is Mecca for Carnatic music and Bharata Natyam and there are shows happening everyday. In fact December-January is the 'season', when sabhas (cultural organisations) host a series of music and dance performances, workshops, seminars and lec-dems. But it's possible to catch a concert any time of the year. Some of the leading sabhas are Music Academy (TTK Road, Tel: 28115619,), Narada Gana Sabha (314, T.T.K.Road, Chennai-18, Ph: 24993201 / 24990850), and Kartik Fine Arts (39, New # 16, Bheemanna Garden Street, Chennai Ph: 24997788). Most shows are free, unless mentioned otherwise. So while in Chennai, do check out the local newspapers for details on the shows. Nightlife Yes. Chennai has, of late, started sleeping late. The influx of hip-hop culture has encroached upon Chennai's traditional lifestyle. There are many places here today where one may rock on and boogey late into the night. One of the most popular hangouts in the city is the Bike and Barrel (Sri Thyagaraya Nagar Road) Located at the plush Residency Towers; this pub has a lot of memorabilia on its walls. It has hanging bike and barrels for tables. Dublin at the Park Sheraton is an Irish pub, and another happening place in the city. While at the Park Sheraton, you can also check out the Vijay's Sport Cafewhich showcases sports memorabilia. Zara's on the Cathedral Road is another place where the hip and trendy crowd in Chennai vanish into over the weekend. The Cellar (TTK Road) mixes great cocktails, along with beer. Two other popular hangouts are the Leather Bar (The Park, near Gemini Flyover) and Bamboo Bar (Savera Hotel, Radhakrishnan Salai). Speed at Mount Road, Pasha at The Park, and the new EC41 (near VGP Resort on East Coast Rd.), with its rain dance and bay-view, are some of the trendiest clubs in the town, all of which are worth a dekko. EC41 is hottest on Saturday evenings. Kidding around Chennai seems to have a record number of amusement parks and entertainment centres. MGM Dizzy World is amongst the most sought after. It is about an hour's drive from the city. VGP Universal Kingdom is a water theme park about 30kms away also known for its Golden Beach while Kishkinta (20 km away) has both land and water games. It also boasts of an artificial waterfall. Some 15 km from Mahabalipuram is Tarsha Water Sports Complex, which is open on Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Just about 5 kms from the city off the East Coast Road, is Kart beat, the heart beat of the yuppies in town. Go racing, feel the squealing tyres, and burnt rubber at this popular escape. Mayajaal, about 18 kms away from the city, on the East Coast Road, is one of the ultimate entertainment complex. It has a pool parlour, a gaming alley with more than 50 different games, shopping areas and six theatres. When you get tired of having fun, walk down to the food court, the food here is wonderful. The huge display screen has a packed audience during cricket matches and other game seasons. How to reach Road: Chennai is a gateway to south India and is well connected to the rest of the country by road. There are regular buses to Bangalore (331kms), Madurai (445kms), Tirupati (152kms). Rail: Chennai's three stations- Central, Egmore and Tambaram - connect the city to all metros and to leading towns and cities in southern India. There are daily trains to Bangalore, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, and Cochin Air: Chennai has an international airport at Meenambakkam with flight connections to the US, UK, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Middle Eastern states. Domestic airlines connect Chennai with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, Bangalore and Cochin. Water: There is a sea line to the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Cruise liners too operate out of here. The harbour is in George Town, north of the Fort. Contact the Chennai Port Trust (Ph.25362501; Rajaji Salai) for more information. Getting Around: Autorickshaws are the favoured mode of transport. Make sure that the meter works. The Chennai drivers are known to fleece commuters. So opt for a prepaid, if not, haggle shamelessly. The roads from Mount road to Nandanam has been made four lanes, but lane traffic rules are not strictly followed. But be warned, a traffic cop might just stop and fine you for flouting the rules! Have a look out for some unique mini flyovers dotted around the city. Some of these have colourful tile work! You could even try the suburban electric trains that run from Beach Station to Tambaram and from Chennai Central Station to Gummidipoondi and Arakkonam. Two new options are call taxis and share autos. Call taxies as the name implies are on call! It is advisable to stay clear of the share autos, because, they try to pack more people going in one direction and are usually jam packed. Here are a few call-taxi (both AC &Non-AC) numbers that you may find useful. Distances Distance(s): 36 km from Muttukadu 44 km from Crocodile Bank 85 km from Vedanthangal Bird's Sanctuary 58 km from Mahabalipuram 170 km from Pondicherry 152 km from Tirupati Best Seasons Late November to March is the best time to hit Chennai; it is unbearably hot and sweaty the rest of the year. The summer temperatures between April and early June soar to over 40 C. The rain gods descend from September to early November, exposing the city's drainage. But whatever the season, arm yourself with plenty of tissues and deodorants and carry an umbrella.Chennai (formerly Madras) has the Bay of Bengal bordering its east, while the state of Andhra Pradesh is on its northwest. It has the famous district of Tamilnadu, Kanchipuram, on its south and the states of Kerala and Karnataka on its western side. Being situated at the tropical zone, Chennai-Madras normally has a very hot and humid climate. The best time to visit this city is the winter season. Places in and around Marina Beach If you want to escape the heat, hurry to Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world. And also the most crowded all year through. What makes it special is a promenade created by Governor Grant-Duff, who gave Marina its name in 1884. A series of statues line the promenade. Also visit the memorial built for the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C.N. Annadurai on the beachside; this has a striking arch that has been built based on modern architecture. Summer brings extra life to the Marina. The waters look appealingly blue and inviting. The kite season, the raw and ripe mango sellers, masala papads- it is a hub of activity. A trip to the beach would be incomplete if you don't dig into the yummy typical Madrasy Sundal. You do not have to go looking for them. They come searching for you. The street hawkers, usually a young chap, may run up to you and tug at your shirt and say 'saar, sundal'. Indulge, it is a taste that sure will linger in your memory. Elliot's Beach Elliot's Beach is a popular hangout for the young and the old alike. Also called the Besant Nagar Beach, this is relatively neater than Marina. There are rows of trendy casual clothes shops and fast food joints along the shoreline where you can stop for a snack. Museums / Libraries Government Museum The first government museum in the country, it showcases Tamil Nadu's history and culture, while the building itself is reminiscent of the Raj era. Located at Pantheon Rd, Egmore, It is open on all days except Fridays and national holidays. Look up www.chennaimuseum.org for more facts and what to see. Or email: govtmuse@md4.vsnl.net.in The National Art Gallery adjacent to the Museum is a place worth the visit. You will be captivated by the splendour of 10th century bronze and panchaloka statuettes, that depict Nataraja (Lord of Dance). Paintings by Raja Ravi Verma are among other attractions. Timings: 8 A.M to 5 P.M. Closed on Fridays. Dakshinachitra is a real life heritage museum. An excellent place to spend at least half a day. Set up about 21 kms from Chennai on the East Coast Road (ECR) it show cases the life in a traditional South Indian village. Exact replicas of South Indian houses as they were in times of yore, preserving the original lifestyle of different communities enhance the beauty of the sylvan settings. On display is a mind-boggling range of artifacts, capturing the South Indian classical tradition. You can take a stroll along the ancient village by-lanes and peep into the homes of artisans, farmers and merchants of the age-past. What makes the place unique is that you can stop for a friendly chat with the artists, recreating the magic of yesteryears or try matching step to the music of the folk musicians. Do not miss their puppet shows and the pottery section where you can try your hand at making pots! Timing: 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Contact at mcfdak@md3.vsnl.net.in Birla Planetarium Funded by and set up in the memory of industrialist B.M. Birla, the planetarium is open from 10 am to 5.45 pm, on all days except Mondays. Periyar Science and Technology Centre Adjacent to the planetarium, the Centre explains scientific principles through working models. It is open 10 am to 5.45 pm; Mondays are holidays. Theosophical Society Founded by H.P. Blavatsky in 1875, the Theosophical Society in Adyar is especially well known now for its library called, The Adyar Library and Research Centre, housing rare and important texts relevant to Oriental studies. It contains over 250,000 printed volumes and nearly 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts from India, Sri Lanka, China, and other places, a few of which are kept on display for visitors. The printed books include rare indological publications in several languages and a fine collection of works on different religions, philosophies and cultures. They also allow camping. For details contact: intl.hq@ts-adyar.org; Ph.24911338. Connemara Public Library Founded in 1890, this library in Egmore is well known for its exquisite Indo-Saracenic architecture. Declared as a UNESCO Information Centre in 1965, the library has a large number of books and journals, including rare ones such as a 1608 publication of The Bible and an 1801 edition of Plutarch's 'Lives'. Also 19th century Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam and Kannada manuscripts have been meticulously conserved here for scholars to refer. (Open from 9 am-6 pm everyday). Visit www.connemarapubliclibrarychennai.com or Ph:28193751 for more details. Parks/Zoos Guindy Snake Park The Guindy Snake Park about one km from the Guindy station has lizards, crocodiles and turtles on display. It is a neat place, ideal for a stroll with generous enclosures. Information boards demystify reptiles for the ordinary visitor. The parks are open daily, except Tuesday from 8.30 am to 5 pm. Vandalur ZooLocated at 28km from Chennai proper in Vandalur, the Anna Zoological Park is easily accessible from Tambaram West. Hailed to be the biggest in South Asia, this zoo spreads over 1265 acres and is building up a collection of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles amongst others. The enclosures for the animals are located in natural surroundings with the vast areas for the animals to move freely. It is also functioning as a captive breeding center for endangered wildlife species. You can take the battery car-train as it is a huge place to walk around and see everything, unless you want to do things at your own pace. For lunch or a snack there is a food joint right opposite the zoo entrance. Landmarks Fort St. George Built in 1640 AD by the British East India Company, this bastion got its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The fort at the beginning of the beach road, on Marina beach, currently accommodates the secretariat and the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu. The oldest British tombstones in India are to be found in its courtyard. The Fort Museum has a rare collection of memorabilia from the Raj era. The banquet hall upstairs was built in 1802 and has paintings of Fort St. George's governors and officials of the British regime. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, which honours those who laid down their lives for their country since the First World War. You could also see Robert Clive's House adjacent to the fort. Arts Centre Kalakshetra: Founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936 the institution is devoted to the revival of traditional dance, textile designing, and weaving. The institution runs a gurukul-like center for the learning of the traditional arts, including Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, and hosts cultural events from time to time. Cholamandalam About 10 km from Thiruvanmiyur, this is an idyllic artisan's colony where you can watch painters, potters, weavers and dyers at work. Set up by the principal and a bunch of students at the Madras School of Arts and Craft, 40 years ago, this village is a much-preferred getaway for the aesthetically inclined. Contact Government of India Tourist Office, 154, Anna Salai, Ph.28524785/ 28524295 for details. Guindy National Park, Chennai Madras India There are several places to see and visit in and around Chennai. The Marina beach, stretched over an area of 13 km, is the second longest beach in Asia. It looks like a festive ground on weekend evenings. Presently used as the state secretariat, the St. George Forte is another landmark of Chennai. Just like the other Indian places, Chennai also celebrates a number of festivals and plays host to several events. The festivals are mainly based on the agricultural activities and according to the position of the stars and planets. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, is the most important festival of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan city, almost all the religious festivals are celebrated here. Mahabalipuram, Chennai Madras Tourism, Sightseeing Madras Being the fourth biggest city and the metropolitan city of India, Chennai is well connected with all the places of India. The international airport and the domestic airport connect this city with all other places of India and abroad. The noticeably big railway station, Madras Central runs number of trains connecting the city with various nook and corners of the country.